"A team of lawyers well versed in all areas of commercial and white-collar crime litigation"

— Chambers USA

Rouse Hendricks German May prosecutes and defends complex litigation matters throughout the country. The firm has a formidable track record of success in trials, arbitrations and appeals (see representative cases) and a national reputation for an aggressive yet practical approach. Because the firm regularly represents corporate and individual clients in confidential, highly sensitive matters, many of our most significant representations – and wins – are never made public.

Our size gives us the flexibility to offer hourly or alternative fee arrangements (including contingency or blended arrangements). We strategically work in streamlined litigation teams so that each lawyer thoroughly knows your case, the record, and the stakes.

RHGM attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers and our concentrated litigation experience, representing both plaintiffs and defendants, allows us to approach each case aggressively and with an uncompromising emphasis on victory. It is our experience and track record that gives our clients a material advantage in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.

For information on how one of our experienced trial attorneys can put decades of legal experience to work for
you, call us at (816) 471-7700, contact us online, or visit us at our office. Discover how we earned our
reputation for legal excellence and our track record of success.

Practice Areas

Business Litigation

Praised by Chambers USA for our "outstanding litigation ability across the business spectrum," Rouse Hendricks German May attorneys have handled every type of commercial dispute ranging from large breach of contract matters to business tort litigation to partnership and shareholder disputes.

We regularly represent diverse businesses of all sizes, including private and publicly traded companies, small start-ups and major corporations, domestic and international, and for-profit and not-for-profit entities in multiple industries. RHGM attorneys have experience representing individuals and corporations in bet-the-company litigation across multiple industries. Most recently we have litigated cases in the following sectors: telecommunications, banking, capital markets, financial services, utilities, construction, gaming, insurance, manufacturing, health care, agriculture, and commodities.

We represent both plaintiffs and defendants and wield those skills on every case we take. RHGM attorneys offer our clients contingency or alternative fee arrangements in addition to the traditional hourly fee arrangements offered by most firms.

Pro Bono

The Firm's pro bono work reflects its commitment to improving Kansas City by helping those in need of legal and professional services. This work offers benefits for both our clients and our attorneys, whether it be the development of new skills or the expansion of contacts in the community. But ultimately, pro bono is the right thing to do, and an important part of any attorney's oath to "practice law to the best of my knowledge and ability and with consideration for the defenseless and oppressed."

Pro bono efforts from the Firm's attorneys span a broad array of matters, including fighting for the rights of the homeless, the criminally accused, the electorate, and parties in juvenile or family court:

• The Homeless: Charley German spearheaded the formation of the Greater Kansas City Homelessness Task Force, formed in September 2009. The Task Force's mission is to find solutions to end homelessness in the Kansas City Metropolitan area through partnerships among non-profit agencies, private business, governmental entities, philanthropic organizations, the investment community, and citizens. Mr. German has been recognized with numerous awards for his work with the homeless.

Relatedly, the Firm and its attorneys have volunteered to provide free Legal Aid services monthly to residents on site at homeless missions in the area. The Firm was also instrumental in creating the Warrant Relief Project in conjunction with the KCMBA, which allows homeless shelter residents with outstanding municipal court warrants to obtain free legal representation to address the warrants.

• Death Penalty/Rights of the Accused: Charley German spent over ten years representing a Missouri man following his conviction in a capital murder case. "When a human life is on the line, you do everything in your power to make sure they get the very best representation possible," German says.

Other RHGM attorneys have represented pro bono criminal clients in trials, appeals, and habeas corpus cases throughout courts in Missouri and the Eighth Circuit.

• Local School Districts: Recently, the Firm researched, drafted and filed an amicus curiae brief on behalf of two Kansas school districts seeking to support a challenge to the constitutionality of the current cap on local spending in the Kansas school finance law. The districts’ brief advocates for the opportunity for local patrons to raise funds for schools. The Firm agreed to participate on a largely pro bono basis to further the schools’ fight for educational funding for local schoolchildren.

• Family and Juvenile Court Parties: Most of the Firm's attorneys have litigated one or more cases in Family Court or Juvenile Court in Jackson County, representing diverse parties such as juveniles, children, parents, and custodians.

Careers

At Rouse Hendricks German May, there's an unmistakable spirit of collaboration and cooperation among our attorneys, paralegals, and staff. We all work together to share the risks and celebrate the rewards of litigating and winning cases —and we all work together to advance our national reputation as a premier litigation firm.

RHGM offers unique and early opportunities for associates to have significant on-your-feet involvement in cases, including depositions, oral argument, and trial.

Associates work with different shareholders on a wide variety of litigation matters for diverse clients. We believe that range of experience gives our associates a depth of insight and experience that in turn helps them enhance their skills and advance their careers.

We recruit only the best and brightest: attorneys with integrity and passion who have strong academic records and either experience as judicial law clerks or demonstrated success at large firms or the government.

Our associates are well compensated — generally at levels that exceed associate compensation paid at Kansas City's largest law firms. Associates receive a base salary, production bonus, and discretionary bonus. Associates are also eligible for bonuses based on the outcome of contingency fee litigation. Associates receive other benefits as well: health insurance, 401K, annual marketing budget, and payment of monthly charge for smart phone.